It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Chevalier of Swan Lake, Manitoba (formerly of Bruxelles) on Sunday, November 25, 2007 at the Lorne Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side at the age of 80 years.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Alice (nee Simoens), his four daughters, Brenda, Cindy (Kelly Heirman), Rita (Wes VanDamme), and Lorraine (Stan Clark); his three sons, Donald (Charlene Delaquis), Albert, and Micheal (Danica Delichte). He will also be missed by his daughter-in-law Arlette Chevalier, 20 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

John was born on December 10, 1926 in Cypress River. At the age of three, his family moved to Bruxelles, the farm where he resided until his move to Swan Lake in 2004.

Besides working at home on the farm with his siblings, he attended St. Urbain School. The countless stories that were told what Dad and Guy Lafreniere did we could never count.

On October 23, 1951 he married Alice Simoens in Bruxelles and together had nine children. They settled on the home farm, and in addition to grain farming, he raised Herefords for many years. In 1969, he built a hog barn and raised pigs until in 1972, when he embarked into the dairy business. Mom and dad retired in 1983.

Travelling, wildlife, country music, taxidermy, hunting, trapping and the great outdoors had become big interests for Dad. Along with his wife, they visited Newfoundland, Alaska, and many places in the states. As kids, we could not wait for that postcard to come home saying what we were going to get.

Dad had great hunting and trapping skills and those skills have truly rubbed off onto his grandchildren that have learned to love it, like he did. Many of those skills were taught by Grandpa, and will always be remembered. Some of his proudest moments were the hunting accomplishments of his grandsons from going elk hunting to being awarded into the Junior Record Book for a trophy deer head.

He enjoyed his time with friends having coffee at Jana’s Kitchen, finding pleasure in flower and vegetable gardening, teasing his grandchildren, running errands, and always lending a helping hand with the grandchildren who he loved very much. We celebrated his 80th birthday last year, and he loved it! We will miss our Dad and Grandpa.

Prayers and visitation will be held at Adam’s Funeral Home on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 8pm. Funeral mass will be held at Swan Lake Catholic Church on Saturday December 1, at 3 pm with Father John Nuygen and Father Firmin Michiels officiating. Viewing prior to service. Interment to follow at Bruxelles Catholic Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the Lorne Memorial Hospital Palliative Care and/or Cancer Care Manitoba.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

John (Jack) McCallum

Peacefully at the Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Friday, November 23, 2007, Mr. Jack McCallum of Rathwell, Manitoba passed away at the age of 70 years.

Jack was born on the Duce Farm on December 9, 1936. He attended school at Cherry Valley. After he finished school, he farmed the family farm north of Rathwell until he retired. When he retired, he moved to the Green Prairie Lodge in Rathwell and enjoyed town life.

As a polio survivor, Jack beat all odds and overcame his challenges. He was an avid polka fan, Jack could be found tuning into his favourite radio station every Saturday night, CFRY in Portage. He enjoyed local talent shows and old time fiddlers contests and attending the Austin Thrasher men’s reunion

He leaves to mourn his passing one sister Hilda Rudnicki of Winnipeg; two brothers: Wilfred (Marion) McCallum of Winnipeg and Leslie McCallum of Portage la Prairie; nine nieces and nephews: Sandra, Glenda, Corinne, Brent, Kevin, Myra, Cheryl, Sharon and Sheila; and he was a great uncle to 11 nieces and nephews. He also leaves to cherish his memory one aunt Violet Duce and numerous cousins, relatives and friends.

Jack was predeceased by his father John Archie McCallum in 1988; his mother Nellie (Duce) in 1977; and by one brother-in-law Frank Rudnicki in 2004.

Funeral Services will be held in the Rathwell Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Jim Haupt officiating. Interment to follow in the family plot at the Woodlands Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and staff of the Portage Hospital and the Seven Oaks Hospital for their care and compassion.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.

Josaphat Kapelus

Peacefully with his family by his side Josaphat (Joe) Kapelus of St, Claude, Manitoba, passed away at Carman Hospital on Monday, November 12, 2007 at the age of 96 years.

Joe was born in Budynin, Ukraine in the region of Sokal, on December 4, 1910. He immigrated to Canada with his wife Ksenia in 1937 only 2 weeks after they were married. Leaving his homeland of Ukraine was a very difficult and sad time. Joe came from a very large family, he was 4th eldest of nine children. Joe embarked on a new journey with his new bride by his side. He endured the many hardships of early Canadian pioneers when he and his wife Ksenia settled south of St. Claude where they made their homestead for the last 70 years. Joe and Ksenia’s first few years in Canada were very lonely, they knew no one except Joe’s brother Phil and his wife. Much time was spent writing letters to their loved ones in the Ukraine. The early years in Canada were hard times, enduring harsh winters and heavy spring rains. Much time was spent clearing acres of bush, mostly by axe and breaker plough. Joe and Ksenia continued to clear more land and persevered to make the best of their new life in Canada. Joe spent his summer days in the field from dawn till dusk, and sometimes came home in time to help Ksenia milk cows. There was always work to be done on the farm and Joe took pride over the years, as he slowly acquired more livestock, more land, and better machinery, while raising a family of 4 children at the same time. Joe had a very strong passion for farming and there were very few things that could take him away from his work. His time, dedication and commitment to his farm reaped him personal satisfaction, and he prided himself as an important contributor to the economy.

Joe also had a passion for music, and was very talented vocally. Prior to coming to Canada, he was an accomplished musician and played French horn, tuba, violin and accordion. He also conducted a choir and was well known in the Sokal region in Ukraine for his musical talents by playing in an orchestra for weddings and concerts. In Canada, he continued to enjoy his passion for music whenever he could. Saturday nights and Sundays were spent with neighbours and friends where he would bring his accordion and harmonica to entertain everyone. The many house parties during his early years in Canada were often graced with his musical talents. He was an excellent dancer and wasn’t a stranger to the dance floor. He continued to play music for his young grandchildren and smiled as he watched them dance and prance around the living room to his Ukrainian tunes.

Joe always loved to discuss politics, religion, and economic issues. He had very strong opinions on many things, and always voiced his thoughts and ideas to everyone. He was very seldom lost for words and never hesitated to give advice to anyone who would listen. Joe was always determined to do things his way and everyone always respected his decisions. His strong willed personality and determination , combined with good business sense made him a successful farmer. He was proud of his Ukrainian background and equally as proud to be a Canadian citizen. Joe always had a story to tell, and there are many heartfelt tales from his younger days that will be remembered and captured in our hearts and minds for years to come. Joe loved to joke and tease with everyone and you never knew what he would say or do next, he never had a shy bone in his body!

Joe cherished some fond memories of his homeland, but never looked back, nor did he return, his life was now in Canada. Joe’s last few weeks were with mixed and confused emotions, the recent loss of his wife Ksenia, his childhood in Ukraine and his life in Canada. He was very conscientious about being appreciative and thoughtful to those around him and was very happy to see his family when they came to visit. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends and has left a legacy to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Prayers and visitation will be held at Adam’s Funeral Home on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Claude Catholic Church on Friday, November 16, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael Tkachuk and Deacon Michael Strilec officiating. Interment to follow in the St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Thank-you to the nurses and staff of the Carman Memorial Hospital and to the home care workers who provided him care for the past couple of years.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.

Vichnaya Pamyat

Marie Chanel (nee Laporte)

Peacefully at the Lorne Memorial Hospital in Swan Lake, Manitoba on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, Mrs. Marie Chanel of Somerset, Manitoba passed away at the age of 87 years.

She leaves to mourn her passing one son Roger (Jean) of Somerset; one daughter Lucille (George) Tough of Winnipeg; four grandchildren: Connie Chanel (Jan Chalmers), Dale Chanel (Rosanne), Chris Tough and Craig Tough (Susan); four great-grandchildren: Ian and Scott Chalmers and Tom and Jessica Chanel. She is also survived by one sister Germaine Roy; one brother Chris Laporte (Lorraine); four sisters-in-law: Julie Mabon (Andre), Alixe Bosc, Rolande Bazin (Albert) and Beatrice Chanel; two brothers-in-law: Guy Chanel (Rolande) and Albert Ronceray; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph; her parents Louis and Germaine Laporte; three sisters: Yvonne Rouire, Suzanne Augert and by one infant sister Odette.

Marie was born December 8, 1919 at Somerset, Manitoba to Louis and Germaine Laporte. She, along with her siblings, helped her parents at the Somerset Bakery. She then worked in Starbuck and the St. Boniface Hospital. On October 18, 1939, she married Jos Chanel in Notre Dame de Lourdes. Together they raised Roger and Lucille on the farm until moving to Somerset, operateing the International Harvester dealership. Her husband Joseph passed away in 1984, and in 1994 she moved to the Somerset Manor.

She enjoyed curling, singing, petit point, knitting, such as socks, mitts, sweaters for family and friends. She also loved to bake, especially french pastry and sucre à la creme.

She was meticulous with her home and garden. She had beautiful flower gardens, both at home and at the Somerset Manor. Roses were her favourite flower.

Mom’s faith was very strong and she loved to sing with her beautiful voice in the Parish Choir. She enjoyed visits from friends and family old and new. She cherished her visits from her grandchildren and always had treats hiding in her pantry.

The past year brought new challenges for her but she kept a bright smile throughout. Only very recently, she was no longer able to stay at home.

With respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Notre-Dame de La Nativité Catholic Church in Somerset, Manitoba on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. with Father Gabriel Levesque officiating. Interment to follow in the Parish Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Ina from Palliative Care for her gentle touch. Also to Dr. Bruneau and the wonderful staff at the Lorne Memorial Hospital. A special thank you to Connie, her granddaughter, who was always there for Mémère, and took such good care of her until the very end.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.

Lucille Brown (nee Yarjau)

On Tuesday, August 7, 2007, after a lengthy battle with cancer, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Lucille at the age of 72 years.

Mom grew up in Notre Dame De Lourdes and later moved to Winnipeg. She travelled abroad for a number of years, and then settled back in Winnipeg in the 1970s. Lucille worked in retail then started her own business in the 1980s which continued to flourish until her illness took hold of her.

A devout Catholic, she had a tremendous impact on her many friends and all who knew her. Having faced numerous challenges that would deplete the best of us, she persevered and always enjoyed life to it's fullest. Mom was a fighter and an inspiration to anyone who knew her...but more than anything our mother was dedicated and devoted to her family. We were her focus and she never let us down and what a wonderful lasting example to us all.